Local News

Cases of Valley Fever are reported from most of the counties in California, with over 75% of reported cases in people who live in the San Joaquin Valley. “The number of reported Valley Fever cases in California is rising, with more than 4,000 cases reported in 2012,” says Kat DeBurgh, executive director of the Health Officers Association of California (HOAC). “This likely represents only a small number of the total cases of Valley Fever. This is partly because many physicians do not think about Valley Fever or are unaware of how to effectively diagnose this potentially debilitating disease. Therefore the illness often is misdiagnosed or the diagnosis is made late in the course of illness.”

Valley Fever is an illness caused by a fungus called Coccidioides which lives Read More »

On Friday, December 19, 2014, at approximately 7:03AM, the Paso Robles Police Department received a report of a burglary that had occurred at Sky Nails and Spa in the 2300 block of Theatre Drive. Officers conducted an initial investigation and determined that an unknown suspect had broken out of the glass front door to the business with an unknown implement. The suspect entered the business and stole a free-standing automatic teller machine (ATM) containing an undisclosed amount of cash. Officers reviewed surveillance video and determined that this crime occurred at approximately 6:14AM. The suspect is believed to be an Hispanic male adult, 20’s to 30’s, standing 5’-10” to 6’-02” tall and weighing approximately 230-240 pounds. The suspect has dark facial hair (mustac Read More »

As Californians approach the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds its customers that while holiday lighting truly adds to the celebration of these occasions, it can also significantly increase the potential for fire risk, injury and electric shock if the proper precautions aren’t followed while decorating. Adding to possible safety risks, older, non-energy-efficient lighting can severely impact customers’ power bills. “Brightening our homes, businesses and communities with holiday lights is a great tradition, but we need everyone to be aware of their surroundings to avoid electric hazards and to prevent fires,” said Pat Mullen, PG&E’s local division director. “Our safety tips are simple to follow and help make sur Read More »

Three young males are in custody in connection with a stabbing that occurred in Old Town Goleta on November 21, 2014. Early this morning, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives served a search and arrest warrant at a home in the 100 block of Orange Avenue in the City of Goleta. The residence is located directly in front of where a male in his twenties was stabbed following an argument with a group of males whom he was not directly acquainted with. 19-year-old Mario Flores and 21-year-old Luis Gonzales-Guerrero, who both reside on the property, were taken into custody for their involvement in the crime. Sheriff’s detectives also determined a third suspect involved in the stabbing, 20-year-old Bryan Ulloa, was already in custody at the Santa Barbara County jail on an un Read More »

SB County campaign aims to find animals homes for the holidays. SB County Animal Services is providing deep discounts on adoption fees this holiday season to entice residents to give the many animals living in shelters permanent homes before the new year.

The recognition was announced following the USGBC’s 2014 Green Awards Gala in Santa Barbara. At the gathering, PG&E and its architect RRM Design Group received the LEED Parade-Energy Efficiency Award, and honorable mention in the award category of Green New Construction, for incorporating environmentally sustainable and energy efficient designs in the construction of the new facility. The 10,000 square foot office building, located on Kendall Road, will support the utility’s operations at Diablo Canyon Power Pla Read More »

On Thursday, Rep. Lois Capps (CA-24) will present three military service medals earned by fallen Vietnam Navy sailor Jim Kerr from San Luis Obispo and his family. Jim died in a Vietnam War shipwreck in the South China Sea in 1969. Fred Kerr, Jim’s brother, will accept the posthumously awarded medals on behalf of his brother and their family. Capps will present Fred with two medals awarded to Jim – the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. She will also present two Gold Star Lapels – a recognition given to family members—awarded to Fred Kerr and to their mother Fern, who passed away on Thanksgiving Day of this year.

“I am honored to be presenting these long overdue medals to the Kerr family,” Capps said. “Jim Kerr bravely served ou Read More »

Atascadero Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on December 19th, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.

In California, this deadly crime led to 802 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2012 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows nearly 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver. “Over the Read More »